Worth seeking out

Rating: 8/10 (19 November 1999)

It would be wonderful if this movie eventually finds its way into the multiplexes, the way Life Is Beautiful did last year. But somehow I doubt it....the studio seems to have little hope for it because of its overseas reputation. A shame because it's yet another fine addition to 1999's list of thoughtful, challenging movies. It is inevitably being compared to Titanic, if only because of its setting (ocean liner in the early part of the century). The film has more in common with Fellini than Cameron (viewers who have been disgusted with the film's visuals and sentiments seem to have forgotten why we go to movies in the first place). The scenes are slightly surreal and always fascinating. The delivery of the dialogue is a bit stilted, especially by the actor who played Max, but Tim Roth is a talented actor and makes the most of it (especially during his final, impassioned speech at the end). No surprise that this was made by the director of Cinema Paradiso. Both films are presented primarily in flashbacks, both have a romantic feel, and both deal with an amazing, unexpected friendship. Definitely worth checking out.